Many people overlook the importance of first aid boxes until something happens that makes them wish they had one nearby.
When a minor or major accident occurs, do you scramble around looking for makeshift items to stop bleeding, clean wounds, or provide relief? Or do you have the necessary medical supplies at your disposal?
In Nigeria, we don’t take first aid as seriously as we should, and our health statistics reflect that. Maybe you’ve decided to buy a first aid box and want to know how and where to get one. If so, this post is for you.
Whether you’re buying a first aid box for your home, car, office, or school, we’ll show you reliable places to buy affordable, well-stocked kits.
Essential Items in a Standard First Aid Box
Every effective first aid box should include a mix of basic supplies, medications, protective gear, and other important tools. These items help you respond quickly to injuries like cuts, burns, sprains, and other medical emergencies while waiting for professional care.
Basic Supplies
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive medical tape
- Tweezers
- Scissors (preferably blunt-tip)
- Cotton wool or swabs
Medications & Treatments
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Burn ointment or soothing cream
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (tablet or syrup for children)
- Antihistamines for mild allergic reactions
Protective Items
- Disposable gloves
- CPR face shield or mask
- Hand sanitizer or alcohol rub
Other Essentials
- Digital thermometer
- Cold packs (instant or reusable)
- Safety pins or clips
- Emergency contact list
- First aid instruction manual
Places to Buy a First Aid Box in Nigeria
First aid boxes are available in many trusted locations across Nigeria, both online and offline. The key is to buy from reliable suppliers that provide genuine, well-stocked kits.
1. Emergency Response Africa (ERA)
Emergency Response Africa (ERA) offers expertly curated first aid boxes for homes, schools, offices, vehicles, and more. Each box is assembled by trained professionals and complies with national health and safety standards
You can shop directly from the ERA website for kits designed for homes, schools, offices, churches, and even vehicles. Each box comes with a detailed guide to help you understand what’s inside and how to use it in emergencies.
Note: ERA offers free delivery within Lagos and nationwide shipping available through reliable logistics partners.
2. Community Pharmacies and Health Stores
Walk into trusted pharmacy chains like HealthPlus, MedPlus, Acorn, Alpha, or your local neighborhood pharmacy, and ask for a first aid kit. These stores often sell standard kits designed for homes, schools, and small businesses.
The advantage here is physical inspection, you can open the box (or ask the pharmacist) to confirm it contains the right items, such as burn ointments, oral rehydration salts, bandages, and painkillers.
Some pharmacies may also help you customize a box based on your health needs or environment, for example, adding insect repellents if you live in a malaria-prone area.
3. Online Marketplaces (Jumia, Konga, Jiji)
Popular e-commerce platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Jiji list a wide range of first aid boxes from basic travel kits to comprehensive workplace safety kits. Prices range from as low as ₦4,500 to over ₦25,000 depending on the content and brand.
Some sellers allow you to see what’s inside each kit before purchasing. However, product quality can vary, so make sure to check the following before placing your order:
- Detailed list of contents
- Seller ratings and customer reviews for complaints
- Return or refund policy
4. Medical Equipment Suppliers
If you’re looking for heavy-duty or specialized first aid kits (e.g. industrial or offshore kits), medical supply shops are the right choice. They stock boxes used in hospitals, schools, construction sites, and oil rigs. These kits may include items like neck braces, wound irrigation syringes, splints, thermal blankets, and eye wash solutions.
Stores like JNC International Limited, Halomedicals Systems Limited, hemacNG, and Medixab provide both walk-in and online shopping options, mostly in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
What to Look Out for When Buying a First Aid Box
Buying a first aid box isn’t just about picking any kit off the shelf. It’s about making sure the box actually meets your needs. Here’s what to check before buying:
1. Contents Match Your Needs
Before buying a first aid box, ensure the contents match the environment it’s intended for. For homes and schools, look for essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, paracetamol, gloves, and digital thermometers.
Offices or industrial spaces should include trauma pads, burn gel, eye rinse, and CPR face shields. If you’re buying for travel or a car, compact kits with basic wound care and oral rehydration salts (ORS) are best. Always review the list of items provided.
2. Packaging and Portability
Good packaging matters more than you think. The box should be sturdy, easy to carry, and have compartments or labels for organizing supplies. If it is stored in a car or workshop, it should be waterproof and impact-resistant.
For homes or schools, a simple hard plastic box with dividers may suffice. Emergency Response Africa, for instance, offers first aid boxes with zippered compartments and durable designs that are practical for fieldwork and travel. Portability ensures you can grab it quickly when every second matters.
3. Quality and Expiry Dates
Always inspect the quality of the items inside the kit before purchase. Look for sterile packaging on gauze, wipes, and dressings. Medications like pain relievers or ointments must have clear expiry dates. Avoid kits that contain expired or poorly packaged products.
Additionally, check if the box or products carry any recognized safety certifications such as CE or ISO standards. Investing in quality ensures the supplies will be safe and effective when it matters most, and that your kit meets acceptable health regulations.
4. Customization and Refills
Not all first aid needs are the same, so it’s helpful if your kit can be tailored to your lifestyle or health concerns. For example, parents may want to add a paediatric thermometer and antihistamines, while someone managing chronic illness might include specific medications.
Choose a provider that allows you to customize your box or reorder specific items when they run out. This makes maintenance easy and affordable.
Why Buying a First Aid Box Isn’t the Final Step
Having a well-stocked first aid box is an excellent start, but it’s not enough on its own.
In an emergency, what makes the biggest difference isn’t just the supplies, it’s your ability to use them under pressure. Unfortunately, many people buy first aid kits but leave them untouched because they aren’t confident using the tools.
This is why basic first aid training is essential for parents, teachers, security personnel, office workers, and even drivers. At Emergency Response Africa, we offer simple, hands-on training that teaches you how to respond effectively to common emergencies.
Our courses are designed with everyday situations in mind, whether it’s a playground injury or a roadside accident.
You can sign up for a personal or group training session for your home, school, or workplace.
Final Thoughts
Every household, office, and vehicle deserves the peace of mind that comes with having a complete, accessible, and up-to-date first aid box. It’s not just about ticking a box but being truly ready when the unexpected happens.
At Emergency Response Africa, we don’t just respond to emergencies, we help you prepare, prevent, and act confidently when they happen. We offer high-quality first aid boxes, first aid training for teams and individuals, and emergency medical support that reaches you within minutes.
Need a reliable first aid box for your home, office, or vehicle? Visit our online shop
For emergency cases, call us on our toll-free line at 0 8000 2255 372
For corporate or individual training, email us at contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Buy First Box in Nigeria
What Should Be Inside A First Aid Box?
A standard first aid box should contain basic wound care items (like bandages, gauze, and antiseptic), medications (such as pain relievers and antihistamines), protective gear (like gloves and a CPR mask), and useful tools like scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer. The exact contents can vary based on where the kit will be used.
How Often Should I Check Or Refill My First Aid Box?
You should check your first aid box at least every 3–6 months. Look for expired medications, used or missing supplies, and items that need restocking. For offices and schools, monthly checks are ideal.
Can I Use The Same First Aid Box For Home And Travel?
Not necessarily, although travel kits should be more compact and portable, focusing on lightweight, essential items. Home kits can be larger and more comprehensive. It’s best to have separate kits for each use to ensure readiness wherever you are.
Where Can I Buy A Quality First Aid Box In Nigeria?
You can buy reliable first aid boxes from Emergency Response Africa (ERA), community pharmacies, medical supply stores, or trusted online platforms like Jumia and Konga.
Is First Aid Training Necessary If I Own A First Aid Box?
Yes, absolutely. Having supplies is only half the solution. Knowing how to use them effectively in an emergency is what saves lives. First aid training equips you with the confidence to act quickly and correctly when it matters most.
Can I Customize A First Aid Box Based On Health Needs?
Yes, and it’s recommended. For example, parents might include children’s medicine and thermometers, while someone with allergies could add antihistamines or an EpiPen.
